the absence of god

Of course not m’am. Some of the other loyalists are just a bit—nervous. No one has found a single lead on Francesca in months and a few are wanting to make it official that she’s dead. I don’t agree with it, but something you should know. I will take that compliment with me to the grave. Gracie is an adult but it doesn’t matter how old she gets, she’ll make food for any family member. People think New York never sleeps but really it’s Launceston that doesn’t. 

I don’t either. We never give up on a man, or woman for that matter. Any member of the family, especially the boss’s wife. I think some people have forgotten about faith and what it means to withhold this family name. But, I’ll talk to him about this later this week. Yes well, she’s turned into quite a girl. They both have. Sal and Francesca should be proud. More like Launceston, the city that never thinks. 

Well now I’m worried I might end up on the end of this punch, so here you go. You can keep it, too, if you’d like. I’ve got no need for it, and it’ll stop you from getting caught short again.

Don’t worry, I would never punch a young thing like you, unless you were really asking for it. Just as long as you don’t punch me. Really? Thank you...? I’m sorry I forgot to ask your name. Well it will be a good change for awhile, until I lose it again. I have a habit of misplacing things. 

That seems to be a proven fact. I think the you only live once trend was by far the worst thing. I don’t mind the selfie sticks, but the yolo and the hash tagging of that needs to stop. 

I think I know what the whole hashtag is about, but what on earth is “yolo”?

Have you ever seen a child? Have you ever seen me?  Just the thought of making another version of me makes me cringe.

I actually have a son, he’s older now though. Well, they don’t have to be exactly like you. God knows, I don’t want my son to turn out like his father but that’s another story. There has to be something good about you that you want to pass on?

It is crazy how fast time is passing by. I almost done with psychology and hope to attend Medical school this fall. Rather to be busy than to be bored, right. 

Well that’s amazing. What school are you thinking of attending for that? Oh yes, I totally agree. Sitting on your ass for ten years really gets you moving. Never a dull moment in my life now. 

If anyone actually thinks for one second I will ever reproduce, they are out of their fucking mind. 

Well I don’t know you well enough, so I’ll take your word for it. May I ask why though? 

“Excuse me but this lady has asked you numerous times to leave her alone and yet you still continue to antagonize her. Unless you have a hearing problem or you really are just that stupid, I would say step away from her before you lose a finger or two.” Maria spat. She had recognized this woman from the papers. So she was a public figure which is probably why she hadn’t done anything drastic because if it was Maria she would probably have kicked this man in the balls by now. 

Shit. One glance at the time and someone had climbed into the cab Gretchen had just hailed. She hesitated for a moment, but quickly ran over to the car and opened the door. 

Grabbing her bags as she tried to hail a cab, Maria then saw one pull up across the street and since no one seemed close to getting in, the brunette moved quickly and slipped into the backseat. “Valence pleas--” But before she could finish her sentence she noticed the other passenger door open and in slipped a petite blonde. “Merda,” she muttered before turning to listen to the young girl. Arching an eyebrow at the mention of the blonde’s shoes, Maria looked down at them and then let out a small huff. “Yes alright, where do you want to go to?” Usually any day she would let the other person take the cab since she usually was in no hurry, but today she had to be home before a certain time so she could meet up with some co-workers. 

Sorry, I don’t smoke. You don’t look like you’re in prison anymore to me. It shouldn’t be too hard to kick the habit if you really wanted to, especially since cigarettes are gross. 

It’s alright, I can save it for later or find someone else. Wow, you’ve got some eye sight. No, I’m not but old habits die hard I suppose. It’s a good thing I don’t live with many regrets though. 

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I do not have a light. It is a pretty bad habit, but what isn’t these days? A new thing comes out everyday as bad it seems. 

When you live in a town like this, you seem to pick up a lot of bad habits weather you want to or not. Well that’s alright, I’ll save it for later. You’re quite right. I think the worst thing I’ve seen all year are those damn selfie sticks. Of course they won’t get you sick, but it might make me want to slap some sense into them. 

Yes m’am. Everyone has been off working and keeping the Mancini name in its usual pristine standing. Well, I think you look great no matter what. Forget the bistros—they are great, but they can’t beat Gracie’s food. You need to go see her, asap. She would make you so much food you won’t be able to move a single muscle. 

Good, wouldn’t want anyone to slip up now would we? You’re too sweet Lorenzo, really. You don’t look so bad yourself. Working 36 hour shifts seem to agree with you. Gracie, oh gosh I keep forgetting she is an adult. Time really flies by, the last time I saw her she was still carrying around a baby bottle. Sal must be so proud. Alright, I’ll give her a call later on. I passed by her the other day and she seemed well, busy. But then again everyone in this town is. 

At least you’re smoking to calm yourself instead of punching people in the face, I suppose? That immediately sets you apart from most of the city. I have a light if you really do need it…though I feel like an enabler saying so.

You are correct. Since you said it, I’m now sure I’m doing the world a favor. My punches come harder than my cigarette drags. Oh no no, in fact, you’ll also be doing the world a favor. That way, the next person I see I won’t feel obligated to bash their head in. 

Something dark, I don’t have a sweet tooth.

I think that Nestle company is absolute shit. I would never in a million years let my kid near it, but everyone has an opinion. Is it just chocolate that you hate in America or other foods?

Oh I was just wondering how to get back to Anderson Island from here. Seemed to have lost my way. This city has grown so much bigger since I was last here.

“Why does american chocolate taste disgusting?”

Hm, I wouldn’t know. But I hadn’t a tongue for sweets these days. What kind of chocolate do you enjoy?

I’ve never heard that before. There seems like a million things you could do around here. Have you lived here long? If not, I could suggest a couple things. That is if they’re still there. I have yet to familiarize myself with this city again. 

That sounds like a good plan B. Whoever tries to attack you isn’t going to live for very long. Of course, happy to be company for you. Enjoying being back in lovely Valence? 

So how have you been Lorenzo. What has it been? A couple weeks since we got into contact. Sorry I’ve been so... Out of it. Work and all, you know the drill. Oh yes of course, I’m yet to have a Italian home cooked meal. The good thing about being locked up is less carbs. I don’t need the extra weight right now. Everything is fast foot nowadays. I will have to visit one of the bistros one day.